MRA collaborates with journalists to enhance tax communication efforts

MRA collaborates with journalists to enhance tax communication efforts is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• The Malawi Revenue Authority has embarked on a significant initiative to bridge the communication gap between tax measures and the public.
• Through engagements with media outlets, MRA ensures clear communication of Fiscal Year 2024/2025 tax measures.
• By equipping media professionals with the knowledge and tools to communicate tax measures effectively, MRA is fostering a more informed and tax-compliant society.

The training sessions conducted by the MRA for journalists and editors served as a platform to strengthen the partnership between tax authorities and the media. By equipping media practitioners with relevant knowledge and insights about tax measures and operations, the MRA aimed to empower the media to effectively communicate tax-related information to the public, ultimately contributing to increased tax compliance, revenue collection, and economic development in Malawi.

MRA actively promotes tax measures

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) recently took proactive measures to engage journalists and editors from media outlets across Malawi in a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing their understanding and communication of tax measures for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025. The training sessions, conducted in major cities such as Mzuzu, Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Salima, covered a wide range of topics including New Tax Measures in Domestic Taxes, Customs & Excise, the MRA Call Centre, and the Reforms Programme to the Excise Tax Stamp known as Kalondola.

The series of engagements with media practitioners was a strategic move by the MRA to ensure that journalists and editors were well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and insights to effectively communicate tax-related information to the public. By providing in-depth training on various tax measures and operations, the MRA sought to bridge the gap between tax administration and public awareness, ultimately fostering a culture of tax compliance and transparency.

Several prominent media organisations were represented during the training sessions, including the Malawi Broadcasting Station, Nation Publications Limited, Times Group, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Radio Maria, as well as several community radio stations. The diverse participation from various media outlets underscored the importance of collaboration between the MRA and the media in disseminating accurate and timely information about tax policies, procedures, and compliance requirements to the general public.

The training sessions highlighted the critical role that the media plays in the process of tax collection. Journalists and editors were briefed on the significance of their role in raising awareness about tax laws, regulations, and compliance obligations. By effectively communicating tax-related information, the media can help educate taxpayers, clarify misconceptions, and promote voluntary compliance with tax laws.

The media in the country have been undertaking patriotic roles that continue to support revenue collection through swift dissemination of information about tax and MRA’s operations countrywide.

MRA Commissioner General, John Biziwick

In a statement during the trainings in Blantyre, MRA Commissioner General, John Biziwick, emphasised the pivotal role of the media in supporting tax collection efforts. He said the media in the country have been undertaking patriotic roles that continue to support revenue collection through swift dissemination of information about tax and MRA’s operations countrywide.

About Malawi Revenue Authority

The Malawi Revenue Authority is an agency of the government of Malawi responsible for assessment, collection and accounting for tax revenues. MRA was established by an Act of Parliament in 1998 and was launched in 2000. It was formed to improve on the functions previously carried out by Divisions of Customs and Excise, and Income Tax in the Ministry of Finance.

The Malawi Revenue Authority aspires to establish itself as an accountable organisation that provides quality services to Malawian nationals based on fairness, integrity, service excellence, transparency and openness.